Edo Museum

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As usual, we keep the best for our last day. At the Edo museum we are lucky to have a nice lady as a tourist guide, in French. The permanent exhibition is very well thought and depicts historical events as well as daily life and traditions in ancient Tokyo. The love of miniatures is evident everywhere. Ms “Samedi” - as she wants us to call her - gives us great insights on lifestyle and historical significance. There is also a section about Tokyo in war times and its evolution towards modern times. A very nice museum, warmly recommended.

Without success, we spend some time looking for the Sumo museum nearby but nobody seems to know where it is. No luck. We got to Tokyo just after the end of the Sumo tournament and everyone in the Sumo business is now taking a rest. Instead, we have lunch next to the JR station, in a sumo stadium setting.

We revisit Harajuku, and Takeshita dori for a last time and take some interesting snaps. An incredibly stylish shop is on our way – Hajori - with vintage clothing, in style. Tokyo style.

It’s rather expensive and we don’t find anything to our liking, but the atypical décor alone is worth a visit.

The nearby Oriental bazaar has nothing of a bazaar and all of a small shopping mall. There are some nice, beautifully displayed souvenirs to be sampled.

Heavy loaded with shopping bags, we take a walk through back roads full of stylish shops, ending with the striking and inspiring architecture of the Prada building.

At this stage, we’re really tired but we don’t want to admit it. It would be a shame to leave Tokyo without spending an evening in Roppongi, one of the main Tokyo’s nightlife district. The night scene is somehow different here with many foreign residents and tourists checking out the atmosphere. We’re a bit early and many bars are still empty. TGI Fridays looks quite animated. We also acknowledge our need for hearty hot food and hop in. The mood is really great and we get a cool barmen show.

After a few drinks, we end up in bed before even thinking of packing our bags for tomorrow’s departure…